Malec to represent SA in Fiji comp

LOCAL sportsman, Malec Odendaal, is gearing up to make his debut at the International Prone Long Distance World Championships memorable and successful. Odendaal will compete in the sporting festival in Fiji in November.

“I’m a bit nervous. I have been in similar competitions, but have never done this before, for instance, I was in France in 2012 for the Lifesavers’ Championships. It was a 14km race and I made fourth place. My coach says I’m on track with my training and that puts me at ease a bit,” he said.

Coach Shayne Chipps said with the amount of training they are putting in, he has no doubt that Odendaal and the rest of the team stand a good chance of winning. “Locally, Malec is an accomplished athlete within lifesaving and he has produced outstanding results in competitions. He trains six times a week, sometimes twice a day. Last year, a Capetonian girl in our team won a silver medal and another received bronze. My expectations for Malec are high as he has increased their chances of winning,” said Chipps.

He said Odendaal’s hard-workmanship and dedication gave him the confidence that he will shine in Fiji, even though the competition is slightly different to the life saving environment.

“I’m looking forward to making new connections in Fiji, meeting other competitors as well as some of my idols who I have watched videos of on YouTube. I think it’s going to be a nice challenge with the best from all around the world,” Odendaal added.

Join Lamy Fernando at the Highfield House in Malvern, for an evening of laughter to help raise funds for Odendaal. For more details on the show click here.